It all makes sense for a Lablogic victory in Sheffield 10K Corporate Challenge

Fast-footed staff at a Sheffield-based scientific instruments company are celebrating after running away with the Sheffield 10K Corporate Challenge.

The team, from Lablogic Systems Ltd in Broomhill, took the honours in the first ever competition of its kind which took place as part of the debut Asda Foundation Sheffield 10K on Sunday 30th October.

The first three runners home – Mark Grainger, Lucy Farmer and Christopher Marsh – recorded an average time of 47:17 to win first place.

Mark Grainger, Service and Support Director at Lablogic Systems, which manufactures instruments and software for the science industry, said: “The Sheffield 10k is the first race that LabLogic has entered a team for, and is also a first race for most of our team so we had no idea what to expect.

“We set up a Friday running club within the company to train for the event as we are mostly novice runners, the aim being for everyone to finish the race.

Race day was a great experience; we all enjoyed it immensely and would recommend any company to take part, not only for the fund-raising benefits but also as a worthwhile company activity. We were very excited and completely surprised to win the corporate event; we will be trying to defend it next year!”

Health staff from Jessop Wing Joggers, a team from Sheffield Teaching Hospitals, strode into second place with an average time of 47:59 and legal eagles from city firm Cohen Cramer came in third place with an average time of 50:39.

Fiona Blyth from Jessop Wing Joggers was the fastest female – and fastest person overall – in the Corporate Challenge with an individual time of 46:11.

Fastest male was Mark Grainger from Lablogic Systems who finished just five seconds behind Fiona in 46:16.

Siobhan Curtis, Sponsor and Corporate Manager of Run For All, the organisers of the Sheffield 10K Corporate Challenge, said: “It was great to see Sheffield businesses come out to support the 10K Corporate Challenge in its debut year.

“There was a bit of friendly rivalry and some great times recorded – and, better still, a great amount raised for local good causes. A big thank you to all the teams who supported the event.”

Run For All is part of the legacy of the inspirational Jane Tomlinson, who raised nearly £2m for charity by taking on a series of tough physical challenges despite being diagnosed with incurable cancer.

Next year’s Sheffield 10K takes place on Sunday 24th September. Go to www.runforall.com for details.